It is more important than ever to be inspirational, as well as strategic, when you pass the leadership torch.

Announcements

SHARED NEWS

New Rotary Alliance Video — Watch International President Deepak Menon and Rotary International’s President Mark Maloney talk about the alliance. Learn more about the alliance and find helpful resources here.

Interview Success Webinars — On May 28, 29, and 30, Toastmasters International hosted a series of free webinars that provided attendees with helpful interview tips and insights geared to the times. The goal was to not only offer a much-needed platform to those that may have recently lost their jobs, but also to increase brand awareness and build membership for Toastmasters. Nearly half of attendees had never been members; many of them expressed interest in joining a club. Since you may be contacted by these new prospective members, please be sure to provide them with a timely response. You can view the webinars here; we encourage you to share them with anyone who may benefit and post them on your club and District websites and social media channels.

Online Meetings Update —Thank you to the clubs and Districts who have continued to meet online during these uncertain times. As a reminder, in accordance with the Board of Director's decision, you may continue to meet exclusively online until further notice. We will continue to monitor the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and will inform you of any updates to this exception.

New Look on Base Camp! — The Base Camp homepage has a brand-new look. Last month, this page got a refresh to make it easier to find your paths and the resources you use most. Log in to Base Camp to explore the changes and share this video with anyone who wants an overview of the new design.

Region Quarterfinals Underway —The 2019–2020 International Speech Contest continues at the region quarterfinal level. Judging for each region will begin as soon as all Districts in that region have submitted video of their District-level contest. Results from each region will be announced as soon as they are final. Check back here to see who is representing your region in the 2020 International Speech Contest Semifinals.

Online Magazine Flier —With the Toastmaster magazine print delivery temporarily suspended, use this flier to add to your guest packets and share the highlights of the Toastmaster magazine online edition!

Nominate a Master of Online Meetings! — Do you know someone in your club or District doing an amazing job with online meetings? Are they keeping attendees upbeat and connected? Have they adapted and excelled in a virtual environment? Nominate them for recognition and tell us why they deserve it in 300 words or less. Photos of the nominee are also encouraged. Email your submission to magazine@toastmasters.org for a chance to be featured in the Toastmaster online magazine!

Program Year End Deadline — More clubs charter in June than at any other time. To avoid delays and ensure program year credit, submit your new club forms early in the month. If you have questions about starting a club, view the How to Build a Toastmasters Club guide or email the New Clubs Team at newclubs@toastmasters.org.

Pathways Resources — With the traditional education program coming to an end on June 30, 2020, here are some resources to help your members make the transition.

End of the Traditional Education Program — June 30, 2020, and the end of the traditional education program, has nearly arrived. While there are less than 30 days to submit traditional education awards for credit in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), we will continue reviewing applications after this date for the Leadership Excellence, Advanced Leader Silver, and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) awards. If you are looking for some opportunities to complete speeches before the end of the year, check here for additional information on hosting a Speakathon. If you have questions or completed applications to submit, you can email educationprogram@toastmasters.org. For faster and more convenient processing, you may also submit awards online through Club Central.

2020 Proposals — The Board of Directors is putting forth two proposals this year for consideration by the voting membership. Please review the Proposals page for the proposed amendments to the Bylaws of Toastmasters International. Additional information on the changes that comprise Proposal A can be found on a dedicated page.

Online Club Fliers — Invite members and guests to join your club’s next online meeting! Use these customizable fliers to alert current and prospective members to your club’s online details. Now available in Arabic, French, and German, with more languages coming soon!

CLUB NEWS

Recognize Their Path — Recognize the members in your club for their progress through Pathways with Path Pins and Level Tags! Visit the Toastmasters Online Store and use promo code PATHPIN to save 25%! Offer valid June 1–30, 2020. Not valid with any other offer.

DISTRICT NEWS

2020-2021 District Leader Kit — The District Leader Kit has been updated for the 2020–2021 program year. Please click here to view the updated District Leadership Handbook, the District Recognition Program, and the new District Strategies Guide.

Base Camp Access Extended —In an effort to provide added support to Toastmasters who are not yet able to renew their membership but want to continue their educational journey, Base Camp access has been extended! The Toastmasters’ Board of Directors decided to extend access until June 30, 2020 for all members who were in good standing as of April 30, 2020. Visit COVID-19 FAQ to read answers to frequently asked questions.

Pathways Updates — Wondering what is coming next for Pathways? Want to make sure you plan training sessions around Base Camp outages? Visit the recently created Pathways Updates page to keep up to date.

The Toastmaster Magazine — Toastmasters’ Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to temporarily discontinue print delivery of the Toastmaster magazine. The status of print delivery will be evaluated regularly, and we will inform the membership when it will resume. We anticipate this will be no later than January 2021. Meanwhile, the digital magazine will be stronger than ever. You can find all the same content, plus timely articles at www.toastmasters.org/Magazine. Help members stay informed by sharing the link on your club and District websites and social media channels.

Updated PowerPoint Template — We are excited to announce a new and improved PowerPoint template to help with your presentations, speeches, and events. You can find it here among our updated stationery templates.

Rotary Alliance PowerPoint Template — We appreciate the enthusiastic members who have created their own materials when reaching out to Rotary clubs. Here’s a newly-created Rotary Alliance PowerPoint Template you can all use! Please remember that any branded materials you create need to be emailed to brand@toastmasters.org and approved by World Headquarters.

First Rotary Courses —We are excited to announce that the first two courses that we developed for Rotary members are now available! The Develop a Speech and Deliver a Speech courses are for Rotarians and Rotaractors who want to improve their public speaking. They may reach out to your club to practice their newfound skills!

Publicize Your Online Club —An email template has been created for Vice Presidents Public Relations (VPPRs) to publicize their online club through their local media. The template can be found here, customized by replacing the bolded text with the appropriate club information, and shared with the local media via email. A list of media outlets in your area for you to contact can be accessed through www.mondotimes.com. Email pr@toastmasters.org with any questions.

Fundraising Protocol — In March 2020, the Toastmasters International Board of Directors approved changes to Protocol 8.2: Fundraising. The new protocol provides parameters around the materials fee that can be charged to participants for Speechcraft and other fundraising programs. These updates are effective immediately and available for review here.

Reporting Requirements Due July 15 —Throughout the year, District Directors are required to submit reports to World Headquarters. Please make sure that your reporting requirements are met by July 15 to maintain access to your District reserve account. Additional details will be provided in upcoming emails from the District Growth and Support and District Finance teams.

Recognition

SHARED NEWS

Club Recognition Awards — While the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted meetings, we have noted the overwhelmingly positive energy and resiliency of Toastmasters clubs. To recognize these efforts, we have created new club recognition awards for the 2019-2020 program year. Learn more about these new awards by clicking here.

Thank You, Outgoing Leaders! — Congratulations to club officers and District leaders for a successful 2019–2020 program year! Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the inspiration you have given to members and other leaders. Your efforts are recognized and appreciated by members, fellow leaders, and Toastmasters International.

Thank You, 2019–2020 Region Advisor — Congratulations to the 2019-2020 team of Region Advisors for completing a wonderful program year. Thank you for your dedication and leadership, which were instrumental in helping District leaders in fulfilling the District mission to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. You are appreciated!